Breadcrumb

Open Option

Discover Your Passion

Deciding on a major may be a major decision. But at the University of Central Missouri,
it won’t be a decision you have to make on your own.

The Open Option program gives you the support you need so that you can move from being
unsure about your academic program choice to being confident in your decision. The
Career Counselors at UCM offer you student-focused academic advising so that you make
continuous progress toward graduation while choosing the program that suits you best.

A Course Just for You

The Exploring Majors and Careers Course (AE1410) is a one-credit hour student-development
elective course designed for students who have yet to declare a major—or who are questioning
their chosen program. Through career assessments, career counseling sessions, activities,
discussions and interviews, you’ll learn more about yourself and the academic programs
and career options that are ideal for you. This eight-week course is offered four
times a year.

Changing your Major at UCM

The open option program is here for you to help you explore the majors offered on
campus, what careers those majors could lead to, and what the best fit is for you.
You can switch to Open Option or if you want to change your major and are sure of
the major you want to switch to please reach out to the Success Advising Center (contact
information can be found to the left).

Meet Ken Schueller

Director of Student Success

Ken Schueller is the Director of Student Success at the University of Central Missouri.
He specializes in helping students who are undecided about their educational and career
paths. Mr. Schueller spent more than 22 years in the United States Air Force before
retiring in 2002. He began his career at UCM in August 2001, serving as assistant
director of career services for nearly 11 years before being named director in 2012.
He was appointed Director of Student Success in July 2017. Mr. Schueller holds a master’s
degree in Management and Human Resource Development from Webster University, a bachelor’s
in Human Resource Management from Park University and an associate’s degree in Aircraft
Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. He is originally from
Wisconsin.

New Freshman

If you are an incoming freshman you will be a part of a learning community mentored
by a former Open Option student, in addition to your Career Counselor.

Transfer Student

If you are a transfer student, or coming back to UCM after a break in your college
career, you can choose the Open Option program. If you have earned more than 30 credit
hours, please contact The Gateway Center for additional information.

Major Changer

If you are a current UCM student and no longer believe your academic program fits,
you can change to Open Option status. Call (660) 543-4721 or stop by The Gateway Center
in Dockery 203.

Program Highlights

"This class helped me overcome a huge step in my life. This program was the reason
I chose UCM and it is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. I am so
grateful for this opportunity." -​Hannah Breedlove

"I am very excited to see what the future holds. Take it from a previously hopeless
case - this class was greatly beneficial, and I would highly recommend it to others
who are on the fence or totally clueless about what they want to do.​" - Kayla Daspit

"I decided on UCM because of this program. The class was not a disappointment whatsoever.
I not only found a major, but a minor as well. This was a fantastic class and I recommend
it to anyone who is indecisive." - Kiley Hudson

​I am very happy I took advantage of this class and its opportunities. I have learned
more about myself and my values than I ever thought I would, and I would recommend
'Exploring Major' to any UCM student." - Jacqueline Blossom

​"​While my senior year in high school was one of the best years of my life, it was
also one of the most stressful because I did not know where I was going to college
or what I would even major in. I was worried that I would make the wrong decision,
but through this class, I was able to confidently narrow down my choices." - Julia
Garza